I'm not even gonna try to apoligize, because I know it would take too long, but with work, homework, work ed, basketball, and, school, and without the urge for fanfiction in it all, I haven't been writing this stuff. So if anyone out there is still waiting for an update, here it is. I hope to get back into this, because I've come up with some new ideas for the story. Please review if you want :)
Without much regard for the cruel attitude and dark reputation of Draco Malfoy, rumours of him were soon spreading throughout the castle like wildfire. Never before had the occupants of Hogwarts seen him become so attached to one girl; he hardly even walked around with girls more often than not. But the situation had become far out of the ordinary, as he seemed to be spending an insubordinate amount of time with his new more-than-friendly acquaintance, Sally-Anne Perks.
It first they had merely thought it was some trick of his, some confusing new scheme he had hatched up, but without purpose or means. Others of course just felt that they were in it together. But to those who didn't know his unloving nature, they might have thought there was true emotion growing between the pair. Blaise Zabini was quick to set out the idea that perhaps Draco had retired from his old ways of simple one-night stands, but those who caught the death glares sent his way by the blond, realized it wasn't true.
Of course, Draco would never be quite that quick to relinquish his old ways. He wasn't entirely sure what he felt for the other half of the school's greatest social fest, but he knew it wasn't hatred. Pansy had been quick to throw herself out, in the case that Draco was just looking for sex, though he sneered at her and muttered something to turn her the shade of a pomegranate. She wasn't seen around him for quite some time.
This new lighter bit of gossip was enough to sufficiently quell the panic brought through the castle as news that there was still not a new Minister for Magic hit the front page. Many, like Harry, tried to avoid the rumours about his enemy as much as possible. And many also, like Harry, failed at their attempts and ended up fabricating their own beliefs of why Malfoy would be so devoting to only one girl.
"Most likely he's just found a good shag he doesn't want to lose right away," he had said bitterly at the breakfast table one morning. Seamus had snorted into his cereal at this proposition and Ginny scowled impatiently.
"If that was the case, why would she be draped over him constantly? Malfoy isn't the type to avoid honesty. If he was just using her for a shag, he wouldn't take her everywhere with him," she reasoned. Ron turned red at his younger sister's suggestion, who in turned slapped his arm, advising him to "grow up."
Hermione Granger was avoiding every bit of information about Malfoy she possibly could. Most people knew at least enough to know that he had searched her out several weeks ago, and they had been, for lack of a better word, together since. And Hermione couldn't help but feel a slight pang of indignance that this had begun so soon after he had admitted to enjoying spending time with her. And hadn't he kissed her as well?
There was something hidden behind the anger as well, something akin to sadness. But of course, he was Malfoy, and she was Granger. Her sensible side reasoned with her irrational side, as it screamed more than slightly louder than she had begun to care deeply for him.
Ginny gave her sidelong glances most every time the topic of Malfoy would come up. But as Hermione had not so politely declined sharing any information with her at the start of this whole episode, Ginny knew better than to question her further. Hermione was determined to forget about whatever they had shared. It wasn't even a relationship.
In Hermione's mind, a true relationship was one that was adored by all, where people would compliment on the way the pair fit together. One where they were open to the public, with a true boyfriend, girlfriend status. One that consisted mainly of more than a few stolen and confusing kisses. One that she definitely had not had with Draco Malfoy.
Of course, if there was one thing this had achieved, it was that Harry and Ron were no longer fuming directly at her. She had taken to spending much more time in the Gryffindor common room in avoidance of both loneliness and Malfoy. After time it seemed the two boys had completely forgotten their anger, and she had been re-welcomed into the pack.
She couldn't help but think that she was in a much better place alongside Gryffindors. After all, she had obviously shown their qualities when she was chosen to be a lion seven years ago. It wasn't quite as questionable as when she was with a cold-blooded Slytherin.
But still, something was missing from her life, and she was positive she knew what it was. The streak of rebellion she had often felt when in his presence, had all but disappeared. No longer was she able to grin at one of the malicious smirks, or laugh alongside one of his snide remarks. Of course, it would do her no good to dwell on history. Though as much as she tried to assure herself it was for the best, she was scared that a part of her was gone forever. At least, so she thought to herself.
She had never told Harry or Ron, or most of the Gryffindors in fact, about anything ever existing between her and Malfoy. She didn't particularly fancy another row after they had returned to a slightly unstable friendship status. And with December swiftly arriving, she would not enjoy Christmas alone at Grimmauld place, or wherever they planned to train them, with naught but Crookshanks for company.
Hermione felt quite conflicted. She had never felt anything against Sally-Anne, although she hadn't known anything about her either. She knew that she was rather smart, and that she had never been good friends with Parkinson, which was always a plus in a person. Recently, she had taken to smiling at Hermione in passing, through the halls, though Hermione had difficulty discerning anything malicious in her grins. It was almost as if she were actually trying to be nice. Hah, a Slytherin.
Although her and Malfoy had gotten quite close; without any outside help, but they also did live together. Hermione had been wandering the halls in thought when the center of her imaginings suddenly walked right past. It seemed that Draco had told a particularly funny joke, for the girl latched onto his arm was laughing cheerfully, as the blond let his trademark smirk slip upon his lips.
He noticed Hermione and she was greeted with an expression of indifference, perhaps only the slightest frown to show what he was feeling. Their gazes held for quite some time longer than was necessary, neither betraying emotion openly to the other. Hermione was the first to snap out of her trance, as she looked down at her watch under the pretense of being late for an all important meeting and hurried off, staring distractedly into the books in her arms.
He watched long after she was gone, and shook it off; he could not think of her. He looked down at the girl beside him, conversing rapidly of some story or another. They seemed to hit it off, he figured. She was quite a better friend than he could have imagined her being. Of course, friends with benefits if that were the case. He smirked. Oh, the benefits.
Hermione sat in the common room one cold Sunday afternoon, feet tucked under her as she engaged herself in a book. She spent all of a meticulous five minutes wrapping herself in a warm red blanket, only to notice there was someone at the door. Grumbling to herself, she disentangled the blanket and stalked to the door, shivering slightly.
As the door creaked open, Hermione blinked as she saw Sally-Anne smiling back at her. She glanced behind her, before turning back to the other girl.
"I don't know where Malfoy is, sorry," she muttered, and moved to close the door.
"Would you mind if I waited for him here? It's just I'm already this far and he should be here soon," she asked, and Hermione sighed to herself, before opening the door again for the other to enter, and sat back on the couch.
To Hermione, the next five minutes were horribly stifling and awkward, as Sally-Anne glanced around the room, not speaking. Hermione set her book on her lap, but was unable to read any more. When she thought she would burst, the other girl spoke.
"This is a very nice room," she said politely, and Hermione gave a small thanks, unsure why she was thanking her at all.
"You know, I really admire you," Sally said, once more in an attempt at conversation.
"Er... thanks," Hermione repeated, feeling very much like slapping herself.
"I wanted to be a Gryffindor, when I came here. Or else a Ravenclaw. My entire family has been in Ravenclaw except my brother and myself," she said, and Hermione nodded along, because she felt it would be nicer than ignorance. "But, I guess the hat chose Slytherin."
"I guess so," Hermione replied, unsure of the spite in her tone. Sally-Anne sat down on the couch closest to the fire, and Hermione tensed, as if an unknown border had been crossed.
"Call me Sal," the blonde said, holding out her hand across the couches, and Hermione shook it tentatively.
"Call me Hermione, I guess," she replied, still feeling terribly uncomfortable. Sal smiled, withdrawing her hand, as the stairs creaked and a third party entered the group. He glanced suspiciously between the two of them, and Hermione was hovering on the borderline of feeling horrified and relieved.
"Hey, Draco," Sal said, grinning between him and Hermione, who glanced away. He muttered a quiet, "hey" before moving to sit on the couch with Sally, draping an arm around her.
They resumed the awkward silence, now the three of them, until Hermione stood, walking toward the staircase.
"Wait," she heard Draco mutter and she squeezed her eyes shut, willing him to leave her alone. "I need to talk to you for a second," he said softly, though she heard him across the room.
She turned around, as he muttered something to Sal, and gave her a quick kiss. Hermione's stomach jolted, and she felt a sudden urge to cry, feeling very much like the red sock that managed to slip into the white wash, and take the blame for the ruin.
He waited until she was out of the room before speaking, with only a simple "so," to prompt conversation.
"So what, Malfoy? You want my opinion of your girlfriend?" she asked, harsher than she had intended.
"She's not my girlfriend," he said, eyes flashing. Hermione shrugged, and looked away from him. "What were you talking about?" he asked, and Hermione would have thought she almost noticed a hint of insecurity.
"I told her everything you ever told me, we're best friends now Malfoy," she stated seriously.
"Hah, Granger," he muttered.
"Honestly Malfoy, she's been here five minutes. All she did was talk about her family. And how very Un-slytherin like she thinks she is," she grinned against her will. "Isn't she a bit too Gryffindor for you?"
"She's very Slytherin actually, she wanted to be in Slytherin when she got here," he said proudly.
"She told me, Malfoy,"she said blandly. He was silent.
"I don't think it's very good for you speaking at all," he said after a moment, glaring into the floor.
Hermione stared at him. "Don't worry, I'm not going to steal her away," she said. "She's the one who decided to be friends in the first place, Malfoy, might want to consider a leash," she said with a trace of anger.
"You know, you don't need to act so superior," he said angrily. "Not everyone can be as high and mighty as you are," he said softly, staring at her.
"I'm high and mighty, Malfoy? Take a look in the mirror later, and not just out of vanity for once," she muttered.
He nodded slightly, expression set. "You know, this is a waste of time. I don't know what the fuck your problem is, but I don't think I want to be a part of it. I don't know why I figured I wanted to talk to you. I guess it was best that this ended anyway, I don't doubt it anymore," he muttered coldly, and left the room, leaving Hermione to replay what he had said.